I was feeling off earlier this week but couldn't figure out why. Then it dawned on me that the anniversary of Dimebag Darrell's tragic death had just passed. It may have happened seven years ago, but the 12/08/04 shooting of one of the best guitarists who ever lived while he was performing on stage, still stings. Thanks to Dime's girlfriend Rita Haney's Dimebag Hardware booth at summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, I was able to finally replace my cracked "Getcha' Pull - Dimebag R.I.P." black memorial bracelet with a new one that I still sport to this day.

You would think that someone's death would get easier as time goes on, but that hasn't been the case for me. I'm still sad that Dimebag isn't around to share his talents with the world. After all, both Pantera and Damageplan were heavy as hell. \m/ I also continue to be inspired to try to live my life to the fullest as he did. As evidenced by Dimebag Darrell's death, we truly don't know when our time is up, so we might as well make the most of what we have while we can. As has been tradition on the Elaborating on Entertainment blog since its inception, I'd like to know what you did or are doing to honor Dime. Now, here are a few of my favorite videos featuring Dimebag Darrell to help you get through this time. I hope you'll leave a comment and share some of your fave vids.

When it comes to all ages, the annual Christmas Concert to Benefit Project Share, set for 12/10 at Freedom Hall in Park Forest, is a good example of a show that can draw both young and old. Case in point are the performers involved in the event. Veteran organizer Dave Rudolf, of Park Forest, has been involved with the show since its inception about three decades ago. Meanwhile, the yearly gig continues to draw new performers, such as Marc Adrian and Rock Paper Rock for the 26th annual installment.

Some of my conversations with Rudolf and Adrian were featured in my Gig of the Week in 12/09's Weekend magazine. Now, as promised, here is more from Rudolf and Adrian including what their holiday traditions are. I hope you'll leave a comment and share what your holiday traditions are and/or what causes you're supporting during this time of year. Regardless of whom you give back to, just remember to take the time to be thankful for what you have and to think of others, not only now but throughout the year. Even simple things like a kind word or gesture can mean so much to someone who needs it.

DREAMWAVE Wrestling will present the Fight Before Christmas, which features several Southlanders and "The War Machine" Rhyno on the card, at 7 p.m. 12/03 at the LaSalle Knights of Columbus, 209 Gooding St., LaSalle, Ill. Doors will open at 5:55 p.m. for season ticket-holders, 6 p.m. for VIP meet-and-greet and front-row ticket-holders, and 6:30 p.m. for general-admission ticket-holders.

Tickets are $15 for front row and $12 for general admission. Rhyno pricing is $15 per item for autographs and $10 for a photo opportunity with the attendee's camera or cell phone. Attendees may bring in their own items to have signed, or there will be limited-edition, event-specific 8-inch-by-10-inch photos available at no additional cost. Information: dreamwavewrestling.com, where DVDs are available, or @DWWrestling on Twitter. Now, as promised in my pro wrestling column in 12/02's Weekend magazine, here is what DREAMWAVE officials including chief executive officer JC Costilli had to say about the Fight Before Christmas.

You know it's the holiday season when Trans-Siberian Orchestra is slated to be in the area. The group will perform at 3 and 8 p.m. 12/03 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, as part of its Winter Tour 2011. I've had the chance to chat with composer, lyricist and producer Paul O'Neill and composer, co-producer and keyboardist Robert Kinkel to preview previous TSO tours.

This time around, I talked with music director and lead guitarist Al Pitrelli about what we can expect from this go-around. Some of my conversation with him was featured in my Gig of the Week in 12/02's Weekend magazine. Now, as promised, here is much more from Pitrelli including what he enjoys about being a part of TSO and why it's important for people to unplug from technology and interact with each other.

Jessi Virtusio

Jessi Virtusio is the SouthtownStar’s arts and entertainment editor. She also pens the paper’s Gig of the Week and pro wrestling columns. You’ll usually find her enjoying a concert or other special event. She’s always looking to discuss music, good eats, movies and more, so let her know what’s on your mind.